"I wanted to say goodby now," said Toby, in a choking voice, "'cause
perhaps I sha'n't see you again.
"Goodby, my boy," said Ben as he took the boy's hand in his. "Don't
forget this experience you've had in runnin' away; an if ever the
time comes that you feel as if you wanted to know that you had a
friend, think of Old Ben, an' remember that his heart beats just
as warm for you as if he was your father. Goodby, my boy, goodby,
an' may the good God bless you!"
"Goodby, Ben," said Toby; and then, as the old driver turned and
walked away, wiping something from his eye with the cuff of his
sleeve, Toby gave full vent to his tears and wondered why it was
that he was such a miserable little wretch.
There was one more goodby to be said, and that Toby dreaded more
than all the others. It was to Ella. He knew that she would feel
badly to have him go, because she liked to ride the act with him
that gave them such applause, and he felt certain that she would
urge him to stay.
Just then the thought of another of his friends -- one who had not
yet been warned of what very important matter was to occur -- came
to his mind, and he hastened toward the old monkey's cage. His pet
was busily engaged in playing with some of the younger members of
his family, and for some moments could not be induced to come to
the bars of the cage.
At last, however, Toby did succeed in coaxing him forward, and
then, taking him by the paw and drawing him as near as possible,
Toby whispered, "We're goin' to run away tonight, Mr.
Pages:
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160